Discover Denmark

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Looking forward to move to Denmark? Find, in this article, an overview of the country's geography, demography, economy and climate.

Located in Northern Europe, Denmark enjoys a modern economy and a developed standard of living. Indeed, the kingdom ranks among the world's richest and most prosperous countries, thus attracting many expatriates over the years. By moving there, especially if you are going to work, you will benefit from the “flexi-security” system which guarantees a certain equity between employers and their employees. In fact, in case of redundancy, employees are entitled to considerable unemployment allowances.

On the other hand, Denmark is known to be a modern country with an open lifestyle along with strong emphasis on ecology. So whether you are planning to work, study or even retire there, you are definitely likely to enjoy a pleasant stay.

Geography and demography

Stretching over 43,094 km², Denmark has a population of nearly 6 million inhabitants. Bordered by the Northern Sea and the Baltic Sea on one side, it is close to Germany, Sweden and Norway. The country also includes two major regions: the Jutland Peninsula and an archipelago comprising 443 islands, most of which are found in the Baltic Sea. Only 72 islands are inhabited.

As regards the Danish territory, it consists of mainland Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands. The country is divided into 5 regions, namely the Northern Jutland (Nordjylland), Central Jutland (Midtjylland), South Denmark (Syddanmark), North Zealand (Sjælland) and the capital city (Hovedstaden).

Major cities

Copenhagen is not only the capital city but also the biggest Danish city, followed by Aarhus, Odense, Aalborg and Esjberg. Their population altogether consists of around 1.9 million inhabitants. You will find more information about these cities further in this Guide.

Randers, Kolding, Horsens, Vejle and Roskilde are other important but less densely populated cities.

Economy

As mentioned above, Denmark has a modern economy. Linked to the Euro, the Danish Krone is relatively stable, thus providing high living standards within the country. Despite being a member of the European Union, Denmark has chosen not to adopt the Euro, just like the United Kingdom. The country is thus found outside the Euro Zone.

The economy, for its part, mainly relies on foreign trade. Indeed, Denmark is known to be one of the world's richest countries. Eco-technology, designed, electronics, natural resources, food and beverages, as well as industrial machinery, military equipment, health care and pharmaceutics, which are exported, make a significant contribution to its economic prosperity. Note that the country also hosts one of the world's biggest maritime and fluvial transport networks.

Nature and climate

Denmark enjoys a temperate climate. Temperatures are quite mild in summer while winters are cold but rarely going below -5°C.

The country has a quite flat relief with a few peaks of 170 meters of altitude.

Days are quite particular, especially in December when the sun rises at 8.30 am and sets around 3.45 pm. However, days are longer between late May and mid-September and nights are clear.